Setting the record straight on vinyl
In 1961, Hawaiian Improvement Corp. performed the first vinyl siding job in Hawaii. Hawaiian Improvement was known for the saying “vinyl is final.”
This catchy slogan is still being used by Tropical Windows and Siding. Second generation owner Matthew Houar took the reins in 1981 and changed the name because the idea of installing vinyl windows in Hawaii was his. Houar has answers to a few questions about vinyl products.
WHAT MAKES YOU SO KNOWLEDGEABLE IN THE VINYL BUSINESS IN HAWAII?
“Being in the vinyl siding and vinyl window business in Hawaii for over 40 years, owning and manufacturing the first vinyl windows ever made in Hawaii as well as having over 20,000 vinyl customers and being the son and nephew of the first contractors to install vinyl products in Hawaii. I have a vinyl siding specialty contractors license as well as a general contractors license. I’d say these are unmatchable credentials.
WHAT HAS HELPED TROPICAL SURVIVE THE GOOD AND BAD TIMES IN THE HAWAII CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY?
“Hard work. Asking homeowners to ‘buy local’ because we are a family business.
Working with my uncle and father as well as my brother. Later working with my three children as they grew up as well as my wife and countless other family members. The stability of a family is key to any situation in life as well as a business.”
WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU SEEN IN VINYL PRODUCTS OVER THE YEARS?
“We have sold many different brands of vinyl windows and vinyl siding. All are better than aluminum, wood and fiberglass just from a maintenance standpoint. But not all vinyl windows and siding are the same quality. If you want the very best vinyl windows or vinyl siding call Tropical and we can explain the difference in quality and manufacturing techniques and which products have better technology than others and why.
FINALLY, IF I WANTED TO INSTALL VINYL WINDOWS OR SIDING TO MY HOME, HOW SHOULD I GO ABOUT IT?
“The smart answer is to call Tropical Windows and Siding. But homeowners always want different opinions. Just remember when you call Tropical you get an owner and a contractor, not a salesman. It can be confusing because salesmen are very convincing, smooth and have tricky gimmicks and methods. A salesman does not really have your best interest at heart. A salesman’s job is to sell you his product.
“Call Tropical or come to our showroom at 1351 S. Beretania and we will explain the importance in having the right products and doing the job right.”
